The Land Transportation Office in Bais City, Negros Oriental, warned yesterday of a massive crackdown on motorcycle drag-racing.

Janine Lawas, chief of the LTO-Bais District, issued the warning in a public forum on traffic laws, that was attended mostly by students and city officials, in Tanjay City.

She said motorcycle drag-racing has  become an increasinglydangerous sport among youngsters in Tanjay, Bais and adjacent areas. Racers from other parts of Negros Oriental come to Tanjay or Bais to participate in the risky and illegal racing event that involves betting, Lawas added.

Drag racing has been involved in several traffic violations, especially since motorcycles are cannibalized, with accessories taken down or the unit customized to fit the sport, she said.

Tanjay City Councilor Uldarico MarianoRamirez, admitted that motorcycle drag racing in the city has become a perennial problem.

He recalled that in one incident when he called in the police, but  the drag racers and the crowd had already dispersed, when the cops arrived, apparently having been tipped off.

It is also difficult to anticipate where and when the next drag-racing would be held as  those involved do not have a regular pattern, Ramirez said.

In most cases, drag-racing is held at night along portions of national highways where there is very little traffic, Lawas said.*JFP

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